Admission is considered competitive in programs where the number of qualified applicants regularly exceeds the number of seats available.
A course is made up of regularly scheduled classes, usually during one academic term, that focus on a singular topic. Each program is made up of a combination of courses.
Courses are offered for credit. Each course is assigned a credit value, and many are three credits each. For example, if a typical degree program requires 120 credits, you could earn them by taking five courses worth three credits each over eight terms.
MacEwan offers early admission to qualified applicants prior to the completion of their program’s academic requirements. Applications are evaluated based on final Grade 11 and/or Grade 12 courses and the other admission requirements.
Enrol means to officially register or sign up. Once you’re accepted into a program, you can start to enrol in specific courses using myStudentSystem.
A certain percentage of space may be reserved for applicants who self‑identify as Indigenous. Prospective students can declare their wish to be considered for equity admission on their application for certain programs. MacEwan defines Indigenous as First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples in Canada.
A major is a focused area of study within a degree program. For example, a Bachelor of Arts student might choose a major in anthropology. Some programs do not have majors (e.g., Bachelor of Science in Nursing). Majors are typically declared before completing 45 credits.
Most programs that have majors (see above) often also have minors, which are a secondary area of focus. For example, a Bachelor of Arts student who chooses a major in anthropology could minor in psychology. Minors are optional and are typically declared before completing 45 credits.
An offer of admission is a formal confirmation that you’ve been accepted into your program of choice. After you receive an offer of admission or conditional admission, you need to accept or decline your offer.
A program is a structured learning plan that leads to a specific degree or certification; it often includes a defined set of courses and requirements.
If you don’t meet current competitive admission criteria, you may be placed on a rank list. If the competitive average, admission grade point average or score for competitive admission changes, you may be offered a spot. Applicants are accepted from the rank list in order based on competitive criteria.
The periods of instruction into which the academic year is usually divided are called terms: Fall, Winter and Spring/Summer.
If you’re admissible but no seats are available in your program, you may be offered a place on a wait list. Applicants are accepted in the order they became qualified.
Yes, our Academic Advising Centre provides support with program selection, course planning and understanding academic requirements, including transfer credits.
Yes, you can take courses even if you are not enrolled in a degree, diploma or certificate program. MacEwan’s Open Studies allows you to take university‑level credit courses on a part‑time basis.
A student is considered full time if they are enrolled in nine or more credits per term—typically three courses. If you’re taking fewer than three courses or less than nine credits per term, you are considered part time.
Yes, you can pursue two different fields of study within a single degree program. You would fulfill the course requirements and earn a Bachelor’s degree with two listed majors rather than two separate degrees.
You can also pursue a single major alongside two separate minors, which lets you explore and develop knowledge in two areas beyond your primary major.
Yes. If you’re interested in more than one program, you can indicate a first and second choice on your application.
We have entrance scholarships for degree programs.
Conditional admission means certain requirements that need to be completed by a specified deadline are still not met. This can include academic requirements, such as submitting final transcripts, or non‑academic requirements such as paying an admission confirmation deposit.
Full admission means that all admission requirements have been met, and the acceptance is guaranteed.
The cost of textbooks varies depending on your courses and instructors. A few mandatory fees that allow you to access campus services are included in your total cost.
Applying early is always better. Applications for Fall 2026 open October 1, 2025. Depending on the program and term you’re applying for, application deadlines vary.
Get involved in research, volunteering, student clubs or contests. Whatever you’re interested in, MacEwan has something here for you.